Tag Archives: 2017 STEP Comprehensive Grant

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, with funding provided by the Texas Department of Transportation under the 2017 STEP Comprehensive Grant, will be putting out additional deputies as part of enhanced Driving While Intoxicated patrols during the upcoming Thanksgiving Day holiday.

Sheriff’s deputies will also be taking proactive measures with a zero tolerance for drivers operating motor vehicles in a hazardous or unsafe manner.

“Use designated drivers…our Deputies will be out in full force keeping El Paso roadways safe,” says Sheriff Richard Wiles. “One drink is too many when getting behind the wheel, and we will be out looking for DWIs.”

The Sheriff’s Office also reminds residents that El Paso County is a “no refusal” county. If a driver is arrested for Driving While intoxicated and he/she refuses to submit a sample of their breath for analysis, a search warrant will be obtained and a sample of their blood will be taken.

That sample will then be submitted for analysis to determine blood alcohol concentration. Either way, the driver will be booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office encourages the public to seek alternate means of transportation if they plan on consuming alcoholic beverages.